The Coffin Maker's Book of Dark Tales

By: Curtis M. Lawson, Joshua Rex

Narrated by: John Walker

Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

What sinister beings live behind the mirror’s reflection? Can the apocalypse bleed from the pages of a notebook and into the real world? What terrible cost must be paid when one steals from the realm of dreams? These are just some of the questions presented in this collection of the macabre.

The Coffin Maker, your host and guide, presents 12 ghastly tales from two of the most gifted voices in modern horror. Curtis M. Lawson (Devil’s Night, Black Heart Boys Choir) and Joshua Rex (The Descent, The Inamorta) weave the beautiful and the grotesque into rich tapestries, both chilling and fantastic. Sometimes hopeful. Often bleak. Always overbrimming with darkness.

The Coffin Maker’s Book of Dark Tales is a must-listen for fans of classic and contemporary horror alike.

©2022 Curtis M. Lawson & Joshua Rex (P)2023 Joe Morey

Such a great collection of ruin and despair...

As a fan of Curtis Lawson's books such as his Bad World series, Devil's Night and The Devoured, I was intrigued what an anthology of dark supernatural tales by him and horror vet Joshua Rex would look like. What it turned out to be was an engaging collection of stories that run the gamut of themes and outcomes, some of which are personal and limited in scope, and some of which have world altering consequences.

Both authors bring their own unique voices to bear, and what we get is a collection of stories ranging from seeing a couple escape from a cult and the effect it has on their lives, to a camping trip in the woods, where the darkness of those woods comes from an unexpected source and has tragic and horrifying consequences from the campers. There are stories dealing with cosmic horrors brought to being through a lost author's journal in a kind of meta commentary on the power of imagination, and stories about the horrors that lie on the other side of the mirror.

These stories and more make up this collection, and I have to say, there is not a weak story in the bunch. The characters are shockingly well rounded for short fiction, and the pacing and plots are taut and engaging. Some of the stories are straight up horror, and some are more suspenseful and atmospheric, and they all work regardless. While there is a grim, foreboding feel to the book overall, there is humor sprinkled throughout, and I was shocked that every story didn't end with death and ruin, but with hope or redemption instead in some. This collection is one I would recommend to anyone looking for well written, engaging stories that let ones dark imagination off the leash.

Grab a hammer and some coffin nails!

"The Coffin Maker's Book of Dark Tales" is a magnificent compilation of twelve ghastly stories from the realms of modern horror. Curtis M. Lawson and Joshua Rex, two highly gifted voices in the genre, have joined forces to craft a collection that seamlessly weaves the beautiful and the grotesque into a rich tapestry of chilling and fantastical tales. This audiobook, narrated by John Walker, is a journey into the depths of darkness, where sinister beings, apocalyptic nightmares, and haunting questions await.

Curtis M. Lawson, known for his works like "Devil's Night" and "Black Heart Boys Choir," and Joshua Rex, the mastermind behind "The Descent" and "The Inamorta," take the listener on a mesmerizing and chilling adventure. Each story in this audiobook is a distinct gem that offers a different mood and environment. Some tales are laden with sadness and disturbance, but they don't always end in despair. There is a glimmer of hope even in the darkest narratives, creating a unique blend of horror and humanity.

The collection's host and guide, the enigmatic Coffin Maker, introduces each story, setting the stage for the listener to embark on a journey into the unknown. As the audiobook unfolds, the listener is invited to explore a wide range of horror sub-genres, from gothic tales of sinister governesses to Lovecraftian horrors, ghostly encounters, and more. "The Coffin Maker's Book of Dark Tales" is a literary banquet for horror enthusiasts, and each story is a delectable dish, ready to be devoured.

Curtis M. Lawson and Joshua Rex are masters of their craft, and their collaboration in this collection is nothing short of extraordinary. The tales in this audiobook are imbued with vivid imagery and rich prose, which captivate the listener's imagination from the very beginning. It's the kind of horror that resonates deep within your psyche, lingering long after the last story has concluded.

The stories within this collection explore a wide spectrum of emotions, from trauma to heartbreak, and they often employ dark humor that is as chilling as it is sardonic. As the protagonists navigate uncanny situations and unearth terrifying secrets, they do so with a childlike sense of wonder, making their descent into darkness all the more unsettling. It's like watching someone play with lit matches in an abandoned TNT factory, knowing that disaster is inevitable.

Within these tales, you'll encounter tattoos that hold dark secrets, lost books with otherworldly powers, confessionals that reveal more than just sins, hoarders with sinister motivations, autopsies that unveil horrifying truths, concerts where the music is a gateway to the beyond, mad scientists whose experiments lead to abominations, ghosts that haunt in the dead of night, vampire hunters facing their demons, and campfire horror stories that leave you sleepless.

Each story is a unique journey into the realm of horror, and as the ultimate testament to their quality, each tale is accompanied by illustrations by the talented artist Luke Spooner. These illustrations provide tantalizing glimpses into the stories themselves, offering a visual representation of the eerie and unsettling themes that unfold.

One of the intriguing aspects of "The Coffin Maker's Book of Dark Tales" is the enigmatic character known as the Coffin Maker, who serves as the host and guide throughout the collection. The Coffin Maker is reminiscent of classic horror hosts like the Crypt Keeper, adding an extra layer of depth and mystique to the audiobook. He introduces each story with solemn descriptions of what lies ahead, setting the mood for the listener.

While the collection may not be as tightly themed as some anthologies, it still maintains a certain level of cohesion. The Coffin Maker's character, akin to a host, ties the stories together, much like recurring characters in classic horror comics. Moreover, the stories themselves contain subtle connections that astute readers may pick up on, such as references to Curtis M. Lawson's novel "Black Heart Boys' Choir" or a story set in the same location and time as "Devil's Night."

The Coffin Maker's presence adds an element of continuity to the audiobook, giving it a unique flavor and making it more than just a collection of disparate tales. It's as if the Coffin Maker is weaving a sinister tapestry, each story a thread contributing to the overall design.

"The Coffin Maker's Book of Dark Tales" is an exceptional anthology that caters to a wide range of horror tastes. The stories vary in style and tone, keeping the listener guessing about what's next while maintaining an overarching sense of cohesiveness. While personal preferences may lead some to favor certain stories over others, the quality of each tale is undeniable.

Several stories in the collection left a lasting impression, and while every story is worthy of praise, a few stand out as exceptional:

The New Governess: This gothic tale of mischievous children and their unsuspecting governess is a delightful blend of fright and fascination. The sinister plans of the children take unexpected turns, making it a memorable and gratifying read. If this story were a novel, it would undoubtedly be a page-turner.

The Black Book of Nothings: This story evokes a Lovecraftian atmosphere, as an author struggling to find inspiration stumbles upon a notebook that leads to more than he bargained for. It's a tale that oozes creepiness and leaves a lasting impact, despite some predictable elements.

...Miss Athena: A surprise gem in the collection, this story combines romance and cosmic horror, creating a touching narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. It's a testament to the authors' versatility in weaving different emotions into their tales.

"The Coffin Maker's Book of Dark Tales" offers a delightful journey through the realms of horror, with stories that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you're seeking a spine-tingling experience or a thought-provoking exploration of the macabre, this collection has something to offer.

An essential aspect of any audiobook is the quality of narration, and in this regard, John Walker's performance is nothing short of exceptional. His narration elevates the entire listening experience, making the stories come alive in a way that captivates and enthralls the listener.

John Walker's voice is the perfect match for the eerie and chilling tales presented in this audiobook. He captures the mood and atmosphere of each story with remarkable precision, drawing the listener into the world of darkness that the authors have crafted. His ability to modulate his voice to suit the different characters and settings is a testament to his skill as a narrator.

One of John Walker's greatest strengths as a narrator is his ability to convey the emotions and tension inherent in horror storytelling. He keeps the listener on the edge of their seat, making it nearly impossible to hit the pause button. His pacing is spot-on, allowing the listener to savor every moment of suspense and dread, while also maintaining a rhythm that ensures the narrative flows smoothly. Moreover, Walker's clear enunciation and impeccable diction ensure that every word and phrase is easy to understand.

In the chilling corridors of "The Coffin Maker's Book of Dark Tales," Curtis M. Lawson and Joshua Rex have masterfully woven a tapestry of horror that spans from the deeply unsettling to the utterly mesmerizing. Their collaborative effort presents a collection of stories that resonate with rich imagery, emotions, and an ever-present undercurrent of darkness. As listeners delve into this audiobook, narrated with finesse by John Walker, they embark on a journey that blurs the lines between reality and the macabre. Each story, though unique, contributes to an overall sense of cohesiveness, bound together by the enigmatic presence of the Coffin Maker.

This audiobook is an ode to the timeless art of storytelling, and a testament to the enduring power of horror literature. It's a symphony of dread, where each tale is a haunting note in a composition that lingers long after the final chord. The collaboration between Curtis M. Lawson and Joshua Rex, coupled with John Walker's masterful narration, transforms the audiobook into a chilling masterpiece that pays homage to the very essence of fear. It's an anthology that beckons the listener to explore the depths of darkness, promising to leave an indelible mark on their psyche and ensuring that, even after the stories have ended, the Coffin Maker's legacy endures. This audiobook is a treasure trove of horrors, a testament to the captivating allure of the unknown, and a haunting reminder that, in the realm of the macabre, every shadow has a story to tell.

Stellar stories and narration

Curtis M. Lawson and Joshua Rex are killing it with these shorts and the addition of John Walker to give these stories a voice on the audiobook truly added to the experience. Very well done all the way around.